Trophy Pose Toss Drill
Serve
Legend
- player
- cones
- movement path
How it works
Teach young players the basic trophy position and a consistent toss as the foundation of the serve motion.
What you need
- foam tennis balls
- junior racket
- poly spot, cone, or target marker
Your focus
A consistent toss is the single most important mechanical foundation of a reliable serve; establishing it early prevents poor habits. The trophy position freeze teaches correct shoulder turn and racket position without the complexity of the full swing. Using a foam ball reduces fear and allows children to focus on mechanics rather than ball speed.
Player stands sideways to the net (service stance) and holds the racket in the trophy position (arm up, elbow bent, racket pointing skyward).
Player practices the toss alone: release ball from fingertips, do not throw, aiming to place it on the marker at 1 o'clock position above the head.
After 5 clean tosses, player catches the ball at its peak rather than swinging, confirming toss consistency.
Player then swings from trophy position and contacts the foam ball, focusing on reaching up to the ball.
Goal
You've got it when your toss goes up straight and lands in the same spot three times in a row, consistent toss, consistent serve.
Helpful cues
- Reach up to the ball, don't let it drop.
- Release with your fingers, not your palm.
- Freeze in trophy, now swing!
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Perform the drill while standing still against a fence or wall to assist balance during the freeze.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Player must make the toss land on a target marker placed on the court without swinging, 3 times in a row, before progressing to contact.No account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.